Apple’s Xbox and PS4 controller support turns an iPad into a portable game console

Apple is bringing Xbox and PlayStation 4 controller support to the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV this fall. It’s a big change from the select MFi Bluetooth controllers that were supported before, and it means you can now easily connect any PS4 or Xbox One controller to your device to play games on the go.

I’ve been trying out an Xbox One S controller (with Bluetooth support) on my iPad Pro running the new public beta, and I’m convinced this is a big step toward using an iPad as a portable game console.

While all PS4 DualShock 4 controllers support Bluetooth and will work fully, over on the Xbox side, you’ll need to make sure your controller supports Bluetooth. If it has a headphone jack at the bottom, then you’re probably good to go. You can also check the top of a controller to identify whether it has Bluetooth, but most modern Xbox One controllers do.

Pairing a controller is as easy as any other Bluetooth device, and most games that already support MFi controllers will immediately detect that the Xbox controller is present and work as you’d expect. I’ve been playing Real Racing 3, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and Fortnite,…